How do you know if you have Kidney Problems

Kidneys are the most important organs of the human body. They play a vital role in the daily functions of the body. So, it is really important to take care of the kidneys. Most of us don’t even think about kidneys unless we are diagnosed by any of the problems that affect them. The symptoms of kidney problems are so subtle that we can’t notice them until serious harm has done. There are a number of physical signs which indicate a kidney disease, but are often ignored and misguided as other conditions.

It is unfortunate that kidney disease is a silent killer and usually gets recognized at an extremely late stage. The symptoms of kidney disease are not silent, but ignored its early stage. Therefore, it is essential to identify the symptoms of kidney diseases early so that it can be treated properly. Here are the top signs and symptoms of kidney disease that one should never ignore and be aware of:

Changes in urinary function: The first symptom of kidney disease is a change in the amount and frequency of urination. The changes include:

Increase or decrease in the amount of urine

Dark colored urine

Feeling the urge to urinate

Increase or decrease in the frequency, especially at night.

Pain while urinating: People with kidney disease may have difficulty; feels pressure or pain while urinating. Pain or burning sensation during urination may indicate urinary tract infection. If the infection spreads to kidneys, it might cause fever and pain in the back.

Blood in urine: People who get blood in urine should never ignore as it is the definite cause for concern. This symptom indicates a serious harm to the kidney.

Foamy urine: An excessive bubble in the urine, which requires flushing several times, is addressed as foamy urine. This indicates protein in urine and it is one of the main symptoms of kidney disease.

Swelling in hands or feet: Kidneys are responsible for the removal of waste and extra fluid from the body. When the kidney functioning is decreased, the extra fluids build up in the body causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face.

Extreme fatigue, anaemia: Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin which helps red blood cells to carry oxygen. When the kidneys don’t function properly, the hormone levels drop drastically which results in anaemia and leads to symptoms like weakness and extreme fatigue.

Dizziness: Anaemia due to kidney disease also reduces the amount of oxygen carried to the brain which may cause dizziness. This, in turn, leads to trouble with concentration.

Ammonia breath and Metallic taste: This symptom is an indication of kidney disease. Renal failure increases the level of urea in the blood. This urea is broken down to ammonia in the saliva which causes urine-like bad breath known as ammonia breath. It is also associated with an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.

Shortness of breath: If the kidney disease is severe enough, fluids can build-up in the lungs and leads to a feeling of breathlessness. Along with this, anaemia caused due to kidney disease, makes the body starve for the oxygen and leads to breathlessness.

Pain in the back or sides: This symptom is a common indicator of the kidney disease but it is not seen in everyone who suffers from the renal failure. A severe cramping pain that spreads from the lower back into the groin can be experienced by the patients with kidney disease.

Feeling cold: Kidney disease cause anaemia, this also causes to feel cold all the time even in a warm surrounding.

Poor appetite: When kidneys are unable to remove the wastes from the body, build up of toxins and waste materials can lead to a lack of appetite.

Rise in blood pressure: When the kidneys are damaged, they can no longer control the blood pressure effectively. Therefore, the force of blood against the vessels stretches them and cause further damage and weakens the blood vessels in the kidneys.

MaxCure Group of Hospitals is the fastest growing multi-speciality chain in India. Established in the year 2011, MaxCure Group of Hospitals has the vision to offer clinical excellence through experienced doctors, high-end infrastructure and transparent patient care which is on par with the best in the world.